There is much ado as the Uwharrie Players prepare to perform Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

Sets are being set. Costumes are being fitted and filled. Songs are being learned and sung beautifully. Dialogue is rehearsed, memorized and spoken.
Everything is coming together as the Uwarrie Players prepare for their production of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”
There is a obviously a lot going on as the cast and crew of “Cinderella” prepare for opening night. I have attended some of their rehearsals and have observed many things. Allow me to share some of the various things I have witnessed.
One observation is that this production has many costumes and lots and lots of shoes. However, I have not yet seen “the slipper” that is left behind at the ball. I, like all the audience members at the first night production, will probably not see it in advance.
Another aspect of the play is the wonderful music. I still remember these songs since my childhood days when I watched “Cinderella” with my mother.
One night when the cast members were focusing on the music, I had the privilege to hear “The Prince Is Giving a Ball,” “It’s Possible,” “10 Minutes Ago” and “In My Own Little Corner.”
All four of these songs are wonderful, but there are also many more. I think I had forgotten the wonderful compositions that were created for the music of this musical. The music alone is incentive enough to come out for this enchanted production.
And speaking of the music, I am quite impressed by the musical ensemble that has come out to provide the songs in this production. I sat in one of the chorus rehearsals and I almost wanted to join. However, if I had sang two notes, the real musicians would have asked me to leave. So I stayed quiet. However, one still might catch me humming the tunes softly on opening night.
At the last night of rehearsal that I attended before I wrote this column, many of the lead characters were on stage going through some diverse scenes. There was the dance scene where the actors were going up and down on the stairs singing the aforementioned song, “The Prince Is Giving a Ball.”
I am looking forward to seeing the completion of the sets. Just what I have already seen is impressive.
Then, of course, there are many themes and lessons in the story of Cinderella.
Many of us have known the content of the story for several decades, but remembering stories of truth are always beneficial for our thoughts and our lives. In my next article, we may explore some of the themes of this timeless story.
Finally, the most humorous and climatic scene in the production is the scene where Cinderella’s family is trying on the slipper. During a recent rehearsal I found myself laughing as I did years ago when I was a child seeing this production for the first, second or third time.
I am looking forward to once again laughing, cheering and being moved by this timeless story that offers so much entertainment.
Once more I want to commend director Christian Payne and all the actors and crew for this great endeavor they are bringing to our community.
The performance dates are at 7:30 p.m. July 27, July 28 and Aug. 3 and Aug. 4. There will also be 3 p.m. performances July 29 and Aug. 5.
So support the Uwharrie Players by buying a ticket for yourself and several of your favorite friends and have an enchanted evening.
I am pretty sure that you do not want to miss this truly special production.

Roger Thomas, who reviews films for The Stanly News & Press, also enjoys local theatre.